The muse for this writing comes from two quotes I recently read.
“True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and value.” by Ben Johnson
“True friends are greatest riches.” – German Proverb
What does friendship mean to me? The feeling associated with friendship is in many ways beyond descriptive words. The essence, the aura, the nature of it is in some ways beyond my capacity to describe. Here is my disjointed attempt to capture the loving feelings that emanate from being in the presence of friends.
I often bask in the warm glow of the friendships that have been bestowed upon me. I, at times, wonder whether I have been such a good friend in turn.
Some compelling features that come to mind of the people that allow me to call them friend are:
• Forgiveness: their capacity to forgive me for my utter miscues amazes me.
• Acceptance of my flaws: I think sometimes we all try to hide our flaws in an effort to be more appealing to others, but I am not very good at hiding or dishonesty, so most people see my unrestricted frailties.
• Acceptance of wealth: It matters little who is the more accomplished when it comes to material goods, on the field of friendship we are all equals.
• Generous giving of themselves.
• “BEING” in the same space at the same time. Sometimes just being present with no other agenda than to share that particular space and time is a wonderful blessing.
Friendship has a value beyond this materialistic existence. There is no gold standard, no currency exchange, no balance sheet, no market value and so forth.
Friendship also seems to transcend cultural agendas; there are no policies and procedures, no stipulations, no contractual clauses, no initiation fees, no indoctrination. Friendship just seems to happen; similar souls do seem to find each other in this interesting mosaic of life. Sometimes it just seems like a miracle that we get to connect with each other.
If there is one requirement, perhaps the idea of love is the one simple requirement. Love and a soulful connection are two descriptive words that provide insight into what draws me into a relationship. Quite simply, I love the people who have become true, dear friends.
Once the miraculous connection is made, there is the component of nurturing. The full development of friendship requires genuine personal care. I think in some ways one must set aside the personal ego and make contributions to the relationship with no expectations. Giving without expectations is the greatest contribution a person can make. Not every seed that is planted, watered, and given sustenance blossoms into greatness, and without giving the effort, no blossoms will ever come to grace us.
The intent of this narrative is to acknowledge how blessed I am to have friends, and to declare that the treasure of these friendships makes me feel wealthy beyond measure. My existence here in this world is worth living and is profoundly enriched because of the wonder of friendships.
Since I am writing this on St. Patrick ’s Day I end with an Irish Blessing:
“MAY YOU ALWAYS have these blessings…
A soft breeze when summer comes –
A warm fireside in winter –
And always – the warm, soft smile of a friend.”
I hope you have a delightful experience today and every day henceforth.
What is there to say about me? I am not sure if I am typical or not, average or not, smart or not, BUT I think I definitely have a sense of humor. I am an aging baby boomer wondering if I have something to say about the world as I see it.
fillsmusings 
Leave a comment